The ascendant retailer will double the number of its employees over the period, as it opens a further 550 stores nationwide. Aldi also planned to create at least one apprenticeship position per store, per year. The pledge will see the retailer employ between 600–1,000 apprentices each year, as it unrolls its new store opening plan.
The apprenticeship programme will be supported by a new Apprenticeship Academy located at Aldi’s offices and distribution centre in Bolton, which is due to open next March.
The 35,000 new jobs will include a range of management roles, in-store and at Aldi’s offices, as well as in-store and regional distribution centre roles.
‘Accommodate growing shopper numbers’
Group md of Aldi UK Matthew Barnes said the investment would make it more convenient to shop with the discount store. “Our expansion plans mean that we can accommodate growing shopper numbers, while ensuring that there is an Aldi store only a short drive away from people, no matter where they live in the country. We are opening our doors across the UK, making it even easier for people to shop and save with us.”
The retailer’s other group md Roman Heini pledged the store will offer more locally-produced products and expand its fresh food range.
Aldi’s investment plans were welcomed by the Prime Minister and the chancellor of the exchequer on Monday (November 10) during their visit to the stores headquarters at Atherstone, Warwickshire.
‘Opportunities four young people’
The investment was a vote of confidence in the government’s plan to boost the economy, claimed Cameron. “This news will mean more financial security for hardworking families and opportunities for young people who want to get on in life.”
The chancellor said the new jobs will increase opportunities for young people. “Backing businesses who are expanding is a key part of our long term economic plan which is why I have cut corporation tax, introduced the employment allowance and am abolishing National Insurance contributions for the under 21s,” he claimed.
Discount retailers Aldi and Lidl, alongside premium retailers such as Waitrose, have continued to lure shoppers away from the big four retailers Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Morrisons.
Retail analyst Kantar Worldpanel estimated Aldi held a 4.8% share of the UK grocery market – narrowing the gap between itself and Waitrose, which accounted for about 5% during July, August and September.
Aldi claimed 3.5%, while troubled market leader Tesco held 28.8% and Asda 17.4%.
Meanwhile, in June Lidl revealed plans to create 2,500 jobs in a £220M expansion, the day after Morrisons’ boss Dalton Philips admitted you can’t “out-discount a discounter”.
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